Priority approaches of occupational safety and health activities for preventing low back pain among caregivers

Abstract

Objectives The incidence of occupational low back pain (LBP) is high among caregivers. The use of care equipment and training about care methods could prevent LBP among caregivers. However, in care facilities in Japan, these measures are not adequately employed. Moreover, the care facilities have faced issues regarding poor staffing in recent years. The present study investigated the relationship between LBP and occupational safety and health activities (OSHAs) for preventing LBP among caregivers and aimed to validate the priority approaches of OSHA. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted in care facilities for the elderly in Japan. Questionnaires for administrators and caregivers were distributed to 1,000 facilities and 5,000 caregivers, respectively. Questionnaires completed by 612 facilities and 2,712 caregivers were analyzed. Results No direct association was observed between severe LBP and OSHA, but indirect association was done. A significant relationship was noted between severe LBP and the care methods. Direct factors causing severe LBP were lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture. These care methods were associated with the following OSHAs: promoting the use of care equipment, training about care methods, and consultation regarding the use of care equipment and employing an appropriate care method with the person in charge. Conclusions These OSHAs decreased lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture, which are the primary risk factors of LBP. Therefore, these OSHAs should be implemented as priority approaches to prevent LBP among caregivers in care facilities for the elderly.

Changes in risk factors for severe low-back pain among caregivers in care facilities in Japan from 2014 to 2018

“…Therefore, this study aimed to determine the changes in risk factors for severe LBP among caregivers between 2014 and 2018. The results of the 2014 survey have already been reported 7) , whereas those of the 2018 survey are presented in this study.…”

“…Table 1 (participation rates of caregivers) and 3–6 show the results of the questionnaires completed by the caregivers. The rates reported in the tables were calculated without missing values, unlike in our previous study 7 ) .…”

“…Job stressor questions were developed based on the job demands, job control, and worksite social support items of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire 21 ) (see the 2014 survey for details 7 ) ). These items were measured using a 4-point scale.…”

“…The number of caregivers experiencing occupational LBP increases yearly in Japan 6 ) . In a previous survey, we found that the risk factors for severe LBP among caregivers in care facilities for the elderly include lifting a facility resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture 7 ) . Other previous studies have also reported that handling a patient/resident and taking an unsuitable posture were the primary risk factors for LBP among caregivers 8 , 9 ) .…”

Baropodometric evaluation of foot load distribution during gait in the group of professionally active nurses

“…The most common reasons are lack of knowledge related to the need to apply ergonomic principles at work, haste or carelessness. Nurses often work with lifting and carrying loads that exceed the body's adaptability . It is likely that choosing more precise content related to traffic ergonomics and safe behavior during the Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Training, or increasing the training offer in this area, could raise workers' awareness of occupational safety .…”